What is Lumbar Spondylitis?

Lumbar spondylitis, or lumbar spondylosis, is when the lower part of your spine, called the lumbar area, starts to have problems as you get older. Picture your spine like a stack of blocks with soft cushions in between – these cushions are the discs.

With time, these discs can get thinner and less flexible, causing discomfort. In lumbar spondylitis, these discs dry out, losing their cushioning ability, leading to pain.

Your body responds by forming bone spurs, and tiny bony growths, which can press on nerves and create more pain.

You might feel lower back pain, stiffness, or pain going down your legs, called sciatica. Sometimes, you can have numbness or weakness in your legs or feet.

The good news is that it’s usually not very serious, and you can often manage it with exercises, better posture, and pain relief methods.

Symptoms of Lumbar Spondylitis

The symptoms of lumbar spondylitis, which affects the lower part of your spine, can be quite uncomfortable.

• The most common sign is aching or discomfort in your lower back. It’s like a persistent ache in the area above your hips.
•  Your lower back might feel stiff, making it tough to bend or move easily, especially in the morning.
• Some people experience sharp pain shooting down one or both legs.
•  Lumbar spondylitis can make your legs feel weaker, making it harder to walk or stand for long periods. It’s like they’re not as strong as they used to be.

Causes of Lumbar Spondylitis

• If your job or hobbies involve heavy lifting, lots of bending, or twisting, it can strain your lower back over time, similar to how repeated use can wear out a tool.
• Past injuries, like accidents or falls, can damage your spine and increase the risk of lumbar spondylitis.
• Things like smoking, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition can make it more likely to happen. These habits can be like adding extra stress to your spine.
• This disease can happen due to genetics

Treatment of Lumbar Spondylitis

• Gentle exercises that strengthen your back and improve flexibility can be like a workout for your spine.
• Doctors can prescribe you some medicines that can help cure this disease.
• Simple changes like maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and using proper body mechanics (like lifting things correctly) can make a big difference.
• your doctor might suggest injections or surgery.

The right treatment depends on your specific situation, so it’s crucial to talk to your doctor to find the best plan for you.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist